The misleading accounting behind your ‘recycled’ plastic

A complex accounting method used by plastic producers is under fire for overstating recycled content in products. Mondelez, maker of Triscuits, is using a system called “mass balance” to claim up to 50% of its packaging comes from recycled materials, even though actual recycled content may be much lower. Critics, including environmental groups and a shareholder, argue the method misleads consumers and regulators. The debate highlights wider concerns about chemical recycling and corporate claims of sustainability. Mondelez shareholders will vote on the issue this month.

Joseph Winters with Grist has the full story on the topic in which industry continues to obfuscate the results and utility of recycling.

Joseph Winters

Grist

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